METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING AND EJECTING A THIXOTROPIC METAL SLURRY

摘要

A container system (10A) including a vessel (20A) for holding a thixotropic semi-solid aluminum alloy slurry during its processing as a billet (60A) and an ejection system for cleanly discharging the processed thixotropic semi- solid aluminum billet (60A). The crucible (20A) is preferably formed from a chemically and thermally stable material (such as graphite or a ceramic). Th e crucible (20A) defines a mixing volume (30A). The crucible ejection mechanis m may include a movable bottom portion (22A) mounted on a piston (56A) or may include a solenoid coil for inducing an electromotive force in the electrically conducting billet for urging it from the crucible (20A). During processing, a molten aluminum alloy precursor is transferred into the crucib le and vigorously stirred and controlledly cooled to form a thixotropic semi- solid billet (60A). Once the billet (60A) is formed, the ejection mechanism is activated to discharge the billet (60A) from the crucible (20A). The billet (60A) is discharged into a shot sleeve and immediately placed in a mold and molded into a desired form.